Posted by Oli - Audio Specialist at Music Gear Direct on 11th Oct 2024
SM57 vs SM7B - Which One Should I Use?
SM57 vs SM7B - Which One Should I Use?
The SM57 and the SM7B are two widely popular microphones by Shure, the leading microphone company. Over the years, both the SM57 and SM7B have been used on pretty much everything, from your favourite album, to the biggest live concerts in the world. But which one is right for you? Lets's first take a look at what each microphone is typically used for.
What is the SM57 used for?
The Shure SM57 is a go-to solution for recording percussive and transient-heavy sounds such as guitar amplifiers, snare drums, and toms. Its typical uses include acoustic guitars, brass and woodwind instruments, cymbals, vocals, and more. The SM57 has also earned a reputation as a versatile instrument microphone that is widely used in professional recording studios worldwide. Additionally, it is commonly used as a live microphone due to its ability to handle high gain without feedback and its versatility in miking up various instruments on stage.
What is the SM7B used for?
The SM7B is specifically designed for vocals, giving it a unique sound characteristic. However, much like the creative process, there's no hard or fast rules. The SM7B is also versatile and can be used for a variety of other instruments such as guitar amps, cabs, brass, woodwinds, kick drums, and bass cabs. While it may seem similar to the SM57 in terms of use cases, the results of recording with each microphone are distinct from one another.
The similarities between the SM57 and SM7B
The SM57 and the SM7B are both dynamic microphones featuring cardioid polar patterns, which enable them to effectively handle varying volume levels and focus on sound sources in front of them while minimizing ambient noise and feedback. These microphones utilize XLR connectors commonly found in professional studio mics. As dynamic microphones, the SM57 and SM7B do not require phantom power, making them easy to connect and record with. Additionally, they are capable of handling high sound pressure levels without distorting. Both microphones share the Unidyne III microphone cartridge, a significant innovation developed by Shure engineer Ernie Seeler. This cartridge enhanced the microphones' polar patterns, allowing them to handle levels of gain without feedback. Although Seeler initially aimed for a completely flat frequency response, the Unidyne III cartridge ended up with a presence peak, which became a defining characteristic of the cartridge and all subsequent microphones using it.
The differences between the SM57 and SM7B
The SM57 and the SM7B may share similar DNA and core design, but they are actually quite different. Firstly, their form factors differ significantly. The compact cylindrical shape of the SM57 suits its purpose for close-up instrument recording, capturing transient information without reducing high-frequency detail. On the other hand, the larger form factor of the SM7B, taken from the SM5, is bulkier and can handle similar sources from a slightly greater distance. The SM7B also features a large windscreen and internal pop filtering to soften plosives, resulting in more gentle transients.
In terms of frequency response, the SM7B and SM57 have some differences. While the SM57 has a quoted response range of 40 Hz to 15 kHz, the SM7B's range is 50 Hz to 20 kHz. However, these figures can be somewhat misleading, as the SM7B is actually tuned to produce a significantly bass heavier sound, giving it a warm sound often heard on the radio or in podcasts, largely due to its larger housing.
Another noticeable difference lies in the midrange. The SM57 has a characteristic presence boost at 5 kHz, which is more pronounced compared to other Unidyne III mics like the Model 545 and the SM58, allowing instruments to cut through the mix. The SM7B also has a presence boost at this frequency, but it is switchable and more subtle than the one found on the SM57. Additionally, the SM7B has a switchable bass roll-off to reduce low-frequency mud when necessary.
Which is better? SM57 or SM7B
It's not a simple answer when comparing the SM57 and the SM7B microphones. The SM57 is designed for recording instruments, while the SM7B is tailored for vocal recording. Both microphones can be used for various purposes, but their differences make them better suited for specific contexts. For instance, you can use the SM57 for vocal recording, but you'll need to attach a windshield to prevent plosives and sibilance since it lacks internal pop filtering. It may sound slightly thinner than the SM7B due to the increased presence boost at 5 kHz and lower bass response, but it can still produce good sound. However, using it for vocals means using it in a way other than its intended purpose.
Conversely, you can use the SM7B for instruments that you would typically use an SM57 on. It may perform better on low-frequency sources like kick drums and bass amps due to its superior bass response. However, the sound will have softer transients because of its internal pop filtering. You can remove the windscreen for instrument recording, but the sound won't be identical to the SM57, even with the presence boost switched on.
Additionally, the differences in form factor present their challenges. The SM7B's larger housing makes it harder to position in tight spaces and increases its bass response, requiring it to be placed further away from the source compared to the SM57. If you're looking for a vocal powerhouse with a warm, full sound for radio, podcasting, pop, rap, rock, and even metal vocals, the SM7B is an excellent choice. It can do more than that, but understanding its limitations will help you use it effectively.
While the SM57 is commonly associated with recording guitar amps, bass amps, kick drums, hi-hats, and snare drums, it can also be used for vocals, although it's better suited for instruments. Consider your recording priorities. If you're recording vocals, the SM7B is the better option. If you're recording instruments, the SM57 is a safer bet. However, if you need an all-rounder, the SM7B offers the flexibility to be the primary microphone for both vocals and instruments.
FAQ
Is the SM7B better than the SM57?
The SM7B and the SM57 serve different functions. The SM7B, equipped with a larger diaphragm, excels in studio vocals and broadcast applications, delivering superior sound quality. Conversely, the SM57 is recognized for its resilience and adaptability in capturing instrument recordings.
What is the SM57 best for?
The SM57 is great for capturing musical instruments. It works especially well with drums, guitar amps, and brass instruments. Its durable construction and reliable quality make it a go-to choice for both live shows and studio recordings.
Can I use the SM57 on vocals?
When it comes to vocals, the SM57 is a great choice, particularly for live performances. Its capacity to manage high sound pressure levels makes it a dependable option for noisy surroundings. Nonetheless, for studio recordings, you might want to consider using a microphone with a larger diaphragm as it could capture more vocal intricacies.